No Hot Water? Common Water Heater Problems and How They Can Be Addressed
A reliable supply of hot water is something most of us take for granted until it’s suddenly gone. Water heaters, like any appliance, can develop problems over time due to wear, maintenance issues, or component failures. Understanding what typically goes wrong with these systems can help you identify issues early and determine whether you’re facing a simple fix or need to call in professional water heater repair in Sacramento, CA. Alliance Plumbing outlines what could be causing your hot water troubles and how to get your system back up and running.
Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
If you have a gas water heater, a common cause of no hot water is a blown-out pilot light. The pilot light ignites the gas burner that heats the water. If it goes out, the burner won’t fire up. Relighting the pilot light is often simple (always follow the manufacturer’s instructions), but if it keeps going out, there may be a problem with the thermocouple or gas supply that should be checked by a plumber.
Faulty Heating Elements
Electric water heaters use heating elements to warm the water. If one or both elements fail, you may get lukewarm water or none at all. Replacing a faulty heating element is a straightforward water heater repair for a qualified technician.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, minerals in water can settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a layer of sediment. This makes it harder for the heater to warm the water properly. Flushing the tank yearly as part of water heater maintenance can help prevent buildup and extend your unit’s lifespan, keeping it working efficiently.
For those who own a tankless water heater, sediment buildup can also affect these models. It can cause a decrease in water flow and damage the heat exchanger, so it is important to regularly check and flush the unit as well.
Broken Thermostat
No hot water doesn’t always mean needing immediate water heater replacement. Sometimes the problem is as simple as a faulty thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t reading the water temperature correctly, it won’t signal the heater to warm up the tank. Replacing a broken thermostat is usually an easy solution, but you should always leave it to a professional.
Alliance Plumbing is your go-to resource for all things water heater-related. From routine upkeep and minor repairs to new water heater installation, our expert technicians will provide quality and reliable service. Call us today to request a service visit.